The first Pitt-Johnstown Student Government Association presidential debate is to be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday in the Cambria Room.

Four presidential candidates for the upcoming school year are to participate — Stephen Torquato, Mark Stephens, Carrie Law and Noam Berns. The Advocate will give them the opportunity to voice their stance on campus issues and elaborate on any plans they may have.

Considering that there has never been a UPJ presidential debate, their responses could sway voters.

This week’s debate is a great way for student voters to gain greater knowledge of campus issues and make a better-informed decision as to who the next Student Government Association president should be.

The next president’s job will be to represent students. Therefore, students should take advantage of the opportunity to hear about these issues that could possibly affect them.

Pitt-Johnstown students have the right to feel up-to-date on these issues, and attending the debate may allow them to feel included in the choosing of someone who is supposed to represent them.  Not only is this a significant chance for students to participate, it is a beneficial way for the four candidates to elaborate on their plans.

Candidate Stephen Torquato has said, if elected, he wants to focus on making campus safer and listening to student input.

Mark Stephens  has said he would like to improve student academics with more tutoring options. Carrie Law has said she would like to focus on campus parking problems and student awareness of senate ideas.

Noam Berns has said he would like to focus on campus parking as well. He said he is also interested in placing senators on proper committees.

But, these aren’t the only issues candidates want to focus on. Students can learn more by attending.

A presidential debate should be held every year to better inform and include UPJ students.